11D10N Tibet Overland Tour (Lhasa – Kathmandu)

Embark on the classic 1,000 km long journey along the Friendship Highway that connects the fabled city of Lhasa, Tibet to the bustling city of Kathmandu, Nepal. The route covers some of the most historic cities in Tibet, taking in important palaces, monasteries and natural vistas such as lakes, glaciers and mountains.

Visit the famous Potala Palace where the legendary Dalai Lama used to live. At Jokhang Temple – the most sacred temple in Tibet, you will be impressed by the devotion of the Tibetans as you observe them performing their full body prostration and kora (circumabulation) rituals around the temple compound. Catch the sunrise over the vast, 4700m high, turquoise Namtso Lake with the magnificent Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range as its backdrop.

Rumble down the mountain roads through several high mountain passes to the Everest Base Camp for a close up view of Mount Everest. Stay overnight with a nomadic Tibetan family and savour a bowl of Thukpa (Tibetan Noodle Soup) and butter tea in the warmth of their yak fleece tent. The journey also brings you across the 5150m Thong La Pass with enchanting views of Shisapangma (8012m), Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516m) and Cho Oyu (8210m). As you journey towards Kathmandu, a whole new adventure and experience begins.

ITINERARY

Day 01

CHENGDU – LHASA

In the morning, you will board a domestic flight from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (1 hr 50 min flight). Get your cameras ready as you will be flying above the beautiful Himalayas mountain range among the clouds. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our friendly Tibetan guide who will bring you to the hotel (1 hr drive away). As you will need to adjust to the high altitude, the rest of the day is left for you to rest or to explore Bakhor Street which is within walking distance.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 02

LHASA

The next two days will be spent exploring the sights in Lhasa City and understanding the culture of the local Tibetans. Visit the famous Potala Palace, where the legendary Dalai Lamas used to live, and revisit scenes where the movie “Seven Years in Tibet” took its inspiration from. Take a short stroll to Jokhang Temple nearby and appreciate the religious devotion of the local Tibetans by seeing how they perform their koras. Spend your afternoon watching the monks debating about Buddhist philosophies animatedly in the courtyard of the Sera Monastery. Food choices are plenty in Lhasa, ranging from local Tibetan, Indian, Western and Chinese. Do not miss out on visiting a local Tibetan teahouse and try a sip of their local tea as well.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 03

LHASA

Make a trip to Drepung Monastery that is situated in the west, be awed by its magnificence as it is the largest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Deepen your understanding of the history of Tibet by exploringthe Tibet museum. In the late afternoon, take a stroll in the Norbulingka Palace (aka Summer Palace) where the 14th Dalai Lama last stayed before fleeing to India and enjoy the greenery.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 04

LHASA – NAMTSO LAKE(Distance and time: ~250km, 5 hrs)

Namtso Lake (“Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan) is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Situated at 4718m above sea level with an area of 1920 km2, it is the biggest lake in Tibet and one of the highest lakes in the world. The snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range, with peaks more than 7000m, forms a picturesque backdrop behind Namtso Lake. Interestingly, these were the actual mountains that Heinrich Harrer (from the Seven Years in Tibet) scaled. Make your way up to the small hill beside the lake for a bird eye’s view of the lake and the Tanglha range. Get your cameras ready as you witness the dramatic sunset cast over the calm of the lake.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 05

NAMTSO LAKE – LHASA(Distance and time: ~250km, 5 hrs)

Early risers can choose to wake up early to catch the equally dramatic sun rising over the lake. You will make your back to Lhasa after a leisure breakfast. On the way back, there is an opportunity to visit the Yangbaijing hot springs, which have been harnessed to produce electricity for Lhasa.

You will travel along the famous Friendship Highway from Lhasa to Shigatse – a scenic route with plenty of viewpoints among the Himalayas mountain ranges. The dazzling Yamdrok-Tso (another one of the three holy lakes of Tibet) from the 4700m Kamba-La Pass in a fabulous shade of turquoise is so breathtaking that it looks almost surreal. Far in the distance is the glaciated peak of Nojin Kangtsang rising to 7191m. In Gyantse, you will visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum (multi-storied aggregate of Buddhist chapels) – the largest chorten in Tibet and one of its architectural wonders.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 07

SHIGATSE – LHATSE – SHEGAR(Distance and time: ~485km, 8 hrs)

In the morning, visit Tashilunpo Monastery – one of the six great monasteries of the Gelugpa sect and the traditional seat of Panchen Lama. This is followed by a drive to Shegar, also known as New Tingri over Tso-La pass (4500m) and Gyatso-La pass (5252m) via Lhatse.

Today, we will get up close and personal with the Grand Dame – Mount Everest. To travel to Everest Base camp, you will be driven from Shegar to Rongbuk on unpaved roads, climbing up to Pang-La Pass (5050m) with sweeping views of the Himalayas range – including Makalu, Lhotse, Everest and Cho Oyu. The drive then descends down to valleys lined with photogenic villages. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, probably the highest religious building in the world. You can then take a shuttle bus or trek approximately 3 km from the “Tent Hotels” area to the Everest Base Camp. The Base Camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest are beyond breathtaking. Catch the sunset over Mount Everest and witness how the mountains get illuminated by the sun rays.

Begin your day by watching the sun rise over the Everest Grand Dame. You will then be driven to Gyirong via Old Tingri and Nyalam, crossing the Thong-La pass (5150m) – the last high pass before descending to the sub-continent – with enchanting views of Mt. Shishapangma – the only eight thousander entirely within the Chinese territory. From the pass, the route will descend down to Gyirong, the border town of Tibet. The landscape changes drastically in the last 30km from Nyalam to Gyirong, leaving behind the rocky and arid Tibetan Plateau to enter into a humid, dense and evergreen forest with deep river gorges and waterfalls.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 10

GYIRONG– KODARI – KATHMANDU(Distance and time: ~120km, 5 hrs)

After a leisure breakfast, you will bid goodbye to your Tibetan guide to clear the Chinese Customs and walk across the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge – a no man’s land – to the Nepali border town of Kodari. Our friendly Nepali local guide will greet you at the Nepali end of Friendship Bridge and will assist you with the VISA application and Custom clearance. For the adventurous, there is an option to experience extreme sports like Bungee jump or Canyon swing, available at The Last Resort situated at about 12km past Kodari. You will be driven directly to Kathmandu city, 114km away.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 11

KATHMANDU – SINGAPORE

After a buffet breakfast in the hotel, lose yourself in the shopping stretch of Thamel Road to pick up some last minute souvenirs. After which, we will arrange for your transport to the airport for your flight home.

Package includes:

Domestic air ticket from Chengdu to Lhasa

All airport transfers to and from hotel

Private 4WD land cruiser with driver for transport outside Lhasa

All accommodation in Chengdu, Tibet and Kathmandu (3-star hotels or guesthouse)

English Speaking local Tibetan guide

Lodging and meals for guide and driver

All necessary Tibet permits to carry out above itinerary

Vehicle and guide entrance tickets to Everest Base Camp

Package excludes:

Return international air ticket

Travel insurance

Transport during sight-seeing within Lhasa*

All entrance fees to places of interest (you only pay what you want to see)

All meals not indicated

Chinese Visa (Singaporeans are Visa-free up to 15 days)

Nepali Visa (You can get it on the spot when you arrive at Kodari – USD25 for a 15 day tourist visa )

Shuttle bus to enter EBC (if you hike up, then you can save it)

Tips for guide and driver

All expenses of a personal nature

*Transport during sight-seeing within Lhasa can be arranged but we recommend you to take taxi to save cost.

FAQ

Need more information on Tibet travel? Read through our Tibet FAQ and get them answered!

TESTIMONIALS

The trip to tibet n nepal opened my eyes to the locals’ way of living, as well as both countries’ rich culture n beautiful natural scenery. There were numerous exhilarating experiences for me during the trip – including seeing the elusive mt everest peak after waiting for hrs on end for the clouds to disperse, and waking up at 3am to partake in the traditional tibetan “yogurt” festival w the locals. We also had the chance to paraglide in nepal, an awesome way to enjoy the surrounding mountainous view; it was something that I had not intended to do before the trip but was glad i did! The tibet itinerary was rather flexible as we were allowed to choose the places we wanted to visit during the trip, based on our personal preferences. Looking back, it was gd that we were able to drive from tibet directly into nepal via the friendship bridge as it was interesting seeing the immediate contrast between the 2 countries’ architecture, infrastructure n pple despite their proximity. Thank you iwannatravel for this eye-opening trip!

– Shing (Group of 4 on a 13D12N trip to Tibet and Nepal in Aug 2014)

The whole organisation was prepared smoothly prior to the trip. The ample of times attending to the enquiries and the notes given had definitely been useful. For transport, guide (and driver), food, activities, accommodation - they were pleasant. The van provided was spacious especially the legroom, and even had enough room to store our bag packs. The guide and driver were very accommodative, for an instance, stopping the van to allow us take some photos before proceeding to the trail head. Additionally, both tried their best to attempt to make conversations in English. As per food and activities, it was great. The food complimented the next activity well, an example, we were provided rice instead of noodles on the day before our summit push and back to the trail head. It was essential since we had to have plenty carbohydrates for the long trek ahead.

– SR (Group of 5 on a 2D2N Xueshan trip in Oct 2017)

First, we would like to thank hs for coming up with the itinerary of the places that we wanted to visit and always being prompt and patient in answering our queries. This trip turned out to be one of the best trips ever! Our guide, Bayu, was simply wonderful. He speaks good English and we enjoyed our conversations with him. During the hike, he frequently stopped to ask if we were okay and if we needed a rest. He would also ask if we had any other places in mind that we would like to visit around the vicinity. In all, we felt very well-taken of throughout the entire trip. Our fondest memory was the day when we had cup noodles around a campfire together with him during the early hours of dawn at King Kong Hill. It was truly unforgettable. Bayu also offered to help us take photos during the trip and we were really thankful for that. Our driver, Bayu (same name as our guide) had superb driving skills. We were really amazed at how he was able to navigate and drive through narrow and winding roads under foggy weather conditions. Throughout the trip, both of them made us feel very safe and comfortable. We did not have to worry about anything. It was really such an enjoyable trip. A big thank you to our guide, Bayu, and our driver, Bayu! 🙂

– Eunice (Group of 2 on an 5D4N Ijen, Mt Bromo, Batu in June 2017)

We always have a wish that to have a wonderful trip with a lot of fun and laugh, and so we stop dreaming and start planning. No doubt IWT is our best choice with no regretted.
First of all, we wanna thank you to our tour guide Ms Vinda, a young lady with always have a cute smiling. She is very friendly, knowledgeable, understanding and patience lady. She care a lot of us, and make sure we are not injure while hiking, but manage to reach to the top. Due to some of my friends is lack of exercise and felt exhausted, especially Ijen and Mt Bromo, she keep accompanied us and make sure 4 of us are in good condition to continue. She keep reminding us some sleepy area, and hold our hand if needed to ensure we are not fell down. She also giving us a lot of info about some interest places were going and we'll communication. She always standby to be our photographer, even some time our pose is funny. She willing to share her photos and videos with us. Thanks ya. And most importantly that she notice 1 of my friend didn't wear a suitable shoe to waterfall, she immediately take off her shoe and let my friend to wear, and help to carry my friend shoe and walk with no shoe herself...so embarrassing. She treat us ginger tea while we feel cold, Indomee after hiking and dragon fruit along the way to Surabaya. Bring us to minimart to buy our secret stuff. Lastly, we should say that~Ms Vinda, thank you so much. We are enjoyable the trip and this is really amazing. We highly recommend her as a tour guide and wish her all the best. Thumb up 👍

– May (Group of 4 on a 4D3N Ijen Crater, Mount Bromo & Batu in May 2017)

Guide Syami was amazing! Very patient and extremely helpful towards my parents (55 and 50 year old folks) . His guidance really helped my parents with their hike. Shared his knowledge on the mountain and the wildlife there. Perfect.

– Farhana (Group of 6 on an 2D1N Mt Ophir Camping Trip in Apr 2017)

Very nice group, glad I made some good friends.
Thanks to the organisers who took us for dinner near a vegetarian friendly place.

– Rajan (Group of 12 on an Open Mt Ophir Trip in Mar 2017)

Coordination with IWT was a breeze. Ying was quick in responding to queries and very helpful, giving tips according to her own experience climbing Pelapah Falls. Prasanth, the driver, was on-time, friendly and skillful. Despite the hours of driving and waiting for us, he always wore a smile on his face. Nan, our guide, was very experienced. He was like a fatherly figure who knew exactly what he was doing and that brought a lot of assurance to us. Pelapah Falls has its challenges but it was such a good experience for my friends and I. We had to tread through cooling rivers, climb using ropes, avoid giant ants and manage a few leeches but the amazing and therapeutic waterfalls made it all worth it. All of us were counted as beginner hikers and we all made it. So don't worry. Just do it!

Everything was great! From planning til the end of the trip, everything was organised. The activities were fun and itinerary was well planned. We did not feel that we were rushed at all and we get to enjoy Borobudur and Mount Bromo in our own pace. Our guide, Bayu, was very friendly and helped us a lot especially when it comes to ordering food :). This is the most relaxing, hassle-free trip I've ever had! Thanks Iwannatravel 🙂

– Sunshine (Group of 7 on a 4D3N trip to Bromo & Borobudur in Aug 2016)

I really enjoy the whole travel experience. The driver is always contactable and prompt, and transport it’s quite comfortable. The mountain guide is friendly, and is knowledgeable and ensures that the last person is not left behind, and there are 2 guides provided to us for a group of 10 which I think is quite good. The accommodation at Melaka is quite clean and it’s within the tourist attraction; Jonker Street and there’s also some free and easy time to explore with driver provided.

– Xian Ying (Group of 10 on a 2D1N trip to Mt Ophir in May 2016)

I liked how fast HS was able to plan the itinerary for our group, making it flexible to suit our preferences and how he was very prompt to answer our questions and give suggestions on things that we can do. We only ask assistance for bookings on our Vietnam trip (Mt. Fansipan trek, Lao Cai- Hanoi train tickets and Halong Bay Day Cruise). However, upon knowing that we are also traveling to Laos, HS has gone an extra mile and help us map out our Laos itinerary too. Transport provided both for Fansipan trek and Halong Bay Day Cruise were awesome as they picked us up from our hostel right on time. Our Fansipan guide was very helpful and patient and ensured everyone's safety during the trek. While our Halong Bay Cruise guide was quite informative and very entertaining as she makes us laugh without even trying. Our group was very much satisfied with the food served to us both during the Fansipan trek and Halong Bay cruise. And of course, we definitely enjoyed all the activities we did: trekking up to the summit of Fansipan, riding a sleeper train from
Lao Cai to Hanoi and kayaking in Halong Bay. Organization of our trip is superb knowing that we were IWT's first customers to book for their Fansipan trek and Halong Bay Cruise trip. *^_^*

IWT LLP, acts only as an agent for The Client in acquiring transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, trekking and other services for The Client’s benefit, and on the express condition that IWT LLP shall not be liable nor responsible for any loss (including without limitation, direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss, economic loss), damage, mishap, bodily injury, death, delay, defect, omission or any irregularity that may be caused to The Client, third parties or properties. IWT LLP is to be released from all liabilities deriving from acts of terrorism, hijacking, civil unrest, natural calamities, labour strikes, thefts or any other factors beyond IWT LLP’s control. Any losses and expenses are to be borne by The Client. In the event that IWT LLP is found liable by a court of competent jurisdiction on any basis in relation to The Client’s booking done via IWT LLP, IWT LLP’s maximum liability to the client is limited to the cost of the booking in question. See our full Terms and Conditions.